Defense wants senator attack trial moved

RITZVILLE – An Adams County District Court judge is expected to hear oral arguments Thursday, Feb. 17, in a motion for a change of venue in the trial of a local political activist who allegedly attacked a state senator.

In a Feb. 8 hearing, Adams County District Court Judge Andrea Russell instructed defense attorney Carson Van Valkenburg to file the change of venue motion by Feb. 11 in the case against Glenn R. Stockwell, 64, of Ritzville.

Stockwell a former candidate for various elected offices, was arrested Oct. 11 on possible charges of fourth-degree assault, harassment and disorderly conduct, records show. He is accused of attacking Sen. Mark Schoesler, R-Ritzville.

Defense attorneys want the upcoming Adams County District Court trial of Stockwell moved.

In the court hearing Feb. 8, City Attorney John Kragt indicated he was not previously informed of the motion, had not had an opportunity to discuss the matter with Police Chief David McCormick and was not yet prepared to respond.

Court records show Stockwell allegedly used his pickup to block the 400 block of North Division Street at around 8:15 a.m. Oct. 11 as Schoesler was approaching in a truck.

Stockwell allegedly pulled open the door of Schoesler's vehicle and attempted to drag him from the truck, while saying he was going to "kick his butt," McCormick said at the time. Stockwell was arrested by officer Tom Gracie and booked into the Adams County Jail.

Police said at the time that the attack was likely politically motivated and concerned a long-standing political cause of Stockwell's involving completion of the Columbia Basin Reclamation Project.